French Minister of Culture Roselyne Bachelot has announced that standing concerts will be allowed from 30 June. Numbers will be limited to 75% indoors but 100% outdoors. Different health protocols will be in place depending on whether the number of attendees is below or above 1,000 people. A sanitary pass, but no mask, will be required for concerts with over 1,000 people. The wearing of a mask is still recommended. For concerts of less than 1,000 people, a sanitary pass will not be required but a mask will be mandatory.
The French government has also said that nightclubs will be allowed to reopen on 9 July. Masks will not be mandatory but a sanitary pass will be required. Numbers will be limited to 75% of capacity indoors, with 100% capacity being allowed outdoors.
The Prefect of the Var is reminding residents and visitors that despite the government not requiring the wearing of a mask in many outdoor spaces, until June 30 inclusive wearing a mask is still compulsory for people aged 11 and over in all 153 municipalities of the Var in many circumstances. These include on the forecourt and platforms of stations as well as shelters and waiting areas for public transport, in covered and uncovered sports grounds and in queues, in open-air markets, flea markets and garage sales, unpacking sales, fairs and fun fairs. The wearing of a mask is compulsory until 30 June at any public event involving a large gathering, including demonstrations on public roads, festivals, outdoor concerts and outdoor sporting events. Wearing a mask is also compulsory, but on Saturdays only, in the open-air shopping centers L'Avenue 83 in La Valette du Var, the Galerie - Géant Fréjus and Le village des talents creatives in Puget-sur-Argens.
Teaching unions have complained about what they say is the "chaotic organization" of the baccalaureate oral exams which have started today. One of the unions said that problems had included examiners expected to be in two different places at the same time. Parents and students quoted in French media have complained of long delays before the start of exams and teachers in Lyon are reported to have begun industrial action in protest at the alleged lack of organization.
The Regional Health Agency is reminding everyone in the PACA region to take steps to protect themselves from tiger mosquitos. The tiger mosquito can transmit the dengue and Zika viruses. With the exception of the Hautes-Alpes where its presence remains limited, it is present and active throughout our region. The agency says that to protect yourself, you must take steps to limit the proliferation of the mosquito, by removing stagnant water such as in watering cans and plant pots and avoid getting bitten by wearing long, loose clothing and using repellents. Further details are available at https://www.paca.ars.sante.fr/comment-se-proteger-des-maladies-transmises-par-le-moustique-tigre
IMSEE, the Monaco government statistics office, has published its latest report on the impact of Covid-19 on the Principality's economy. The report, along with other statistical data on Monaco's economy, can be foud on their website https://www.imsee.mc
BUSINESS
Shares in the UK's fourth largest supermarket group, Morrisons, rose sharply earlier today after a US private equity firm made an offer to buy the company for £5.5bn. Morrisons' board has rejected the offer, saying it "significantly undervalued" the business "and its future prospects". Morrisons has almost 500 stores and employs about 118,000 people.
The Australian government has said that it will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization because of a large increase in tarriffs on Australian wine imposed by China. China is the top market for Australian wine exports and the government said there had been extensive consultation with winemakers on the decision to file the complaint with the WTO.
SPORT
Euro 2020... Scotland's Billy Gilmour will miss their match against Croatia tomorrow after testing positive for Covid-19. Meanwhile, France have said that Ousmane Dembele will miss the rest of the tournament because of a a knee injury. He suffered the injury during France's game against Hungary on Saturday. In today's matches, in Group C, the Netherlands beat North Macedonia 3-0 this evening and Austria beat Ukraine 1-0. In group B, Finland play Belgium and Russia play Denmark. Those games kick off at 9 pm.
Olympics... It's been announced that Japanese fans will be permitted at Olympic venues. Overseas spectators have been banned but organisers said domestic fans could attend as long as spectators do not exceed 50% of a venue's capacity. They will not be allowed to shout or speak loudly and must wear face masks at all times while in venues. The Olympics start on 23 July.
Cricket...Play has been abandoned for the day because of rain on the fourth day of the India against New Zealand World Test Championship final in Southampton. After day three, New Zealand reached 101-2 after 49 overs in reply to India's 217 all out. Two days now remain, including the reserve sixth day.
French president Emmanuel Macron has called for stronger, more integrated European defences as he outlined his vision for a more assertive European Un...
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Nice airport says as many as 60% of flights will be cancelled tomorrow due to a nationwide strike by air traffic controllers....
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